Campagnolo 12

Nov 19, 2023

Rim- and disc-brake options for mechanical shifting systems

By Robin Wilmott

Published: April 9, 2018 at 7:47 am

Campagnolo has launched 12-speed Super Record and Record groupsets in rim-brake and hydraulic-disc options. Launched in the 85th year of the storied brand, all the 12-speed groups feature mechanical shifting.

Notably, the 12-speed groups are compatible with current 11-speed Campagnolo wheels, as the brand narrowed the cassette's sprocket spacing and the chain.

When Campagnolo announced 11-speed back in 2009 — the first of the three major component manufacturers to do so — some critics voiced concern that the then-narrower chain wouldn't be as strong as 10-speed, nor would it shift as well.

Of course, now Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo 11-speed groups are standard and function very well. Campagnolo expects a similar pattern with 12-speed.

The new mechanical Super Record and Record Ergopower levers feature a different shape than their 11-speed predecessors. They have an increased curve at the bottom for better grip when in the drops, and a higher pivot point that aligns horizontally with the handlebar's top to increase leverage. The reach is customisable for smaller hands via a recessed hex bolt.

Compared to the 11-speed levers, the 12-speed upshift lever has a larger, more curved paddle with adjustable reach. The enlarged thumb shift lever extends further forwards, its new shape allowing easier reach.

Adding that 12th sprocket has meant new shifting internals, with new gear indexing and lever throw. There's no longer any freestroke movement from the lever before shifting begins.

The Ultra Shift mechanism has been retained, allowing the rider to downshift up to five sprockets and upshift up to three with one movement.

The new hood has comfortable Vari Cushion Technology rubber grips.

There are new low-friction cables and housings specific to the new transmission, which Campagnolo claims will last longer than anything else on the market.

The hydraulic-brake levers look quite similar to the rim-brake levers, with the exception of the additional 8mm of height for the hydraulic master cylinder. The hydraulic internals are identical to last year's H11 originals, with the bleeding port on top for ease of maintenance.

The system allows for long or short adjustment of the lever travel before reaching the brake caliper's bite point, which is done with a 2.5mm hex key.

The new front derailleurs were designed to match the new lever throw. Campagnolo doubled the number of pivots in the mechanism, giving more immediate upshifts from the moment the lever is moved.

The cage is thin for a wide range of chain lines and Campagnolo's intermediate trim settings continue for fine adjustment.

The cable-grip bolt can be fitted on the rear or front of the arm to avoid possible cable rub if using wide (up to 32mm) tyres.

The new 12-speed rear derailleur is made of technopolymer reinforced with carbon fibre.

The Super Record derailleur cage features some carbon, while the Record cage is all alloy. But there's only one cage length: medium (72.5mm).

Both large jockey wheels feature 12 teeth, although the teeth are longer on the upper pulley and shorter on the lower pulley to allow for easier chain-line movement.

Campagnolo's 3D Embrace Technology keeps the top jockey wheel positioned as far forward as possible for each sprocket, maximising chain wrap, with a trajectory curve that's optimised for the 11-29 and 11-32 cassettes.

An upper body return spring absorbs some road vibrations, stabilising the derailleur, and the cage's inner plate's width has been reduced to increase the distance between it and the spokes to make for easier adjustment.

A new standard or direct derailleur hanger system works with rim- or disc-brake frame designs.

Unlike 2017's H11 disc components, the new Record and Super Record disc groupsets don't need a specific crankset for a disc setup, as the spacing of the new cranksets works for both braking options.

The new crankset is smoother and more aero, with a new UD carbon layup, and the Super Record version is hollow carbon.

Its 145.5mm Q Factor remains unchanged, and the Ultra Torque axle is secured from the left side only, as the other is enclosed.

The four-arm, eight-bolt design is efficient, its BCDs of 112mm and 145mm don't compromise overall ring size, or allow undue flex and torsion, giving greater integrity, and accepting all popular road ring combinations: 50/34, 52/36 and 53/39.

The Record crankset comes with a steel axle and USB ceramic bottom bracket bearings, whereas the Super Record version has a titanium axle, CULT ceramic bearings and an extended spider with two additional integrated carbon braces on the big ring's outer edge to counteract the areas of highest torque. Both come in four crank lengths: 165, 170, 172.5 and 175mm.

Super Record and Record share the same 12-speed cassettes, which come in 11-29t and 11-32t. They have steel sprockets and are built with two triplets and six individual sprockets, separated by machined aluminium spacers.

There are single-tooth increments all the way from the outside to the seventh sprocket, then 2- and 3-tooth jumps for the 11-29 and 2-, 3- and a final 4-tooth jump on the 11-32 cassette.

Of course, the new R12 chain had to be narrower for the 12-speed sprockets, and as with the cassettes, there's just one, also termed Super Record. Although lighter than 11-speed, Campagnolo claims it is just as durable.

For rim brakes, Campagnolo now has a modular system of dual-pivot calipers for direct-mount or single bolt frames with an aerodynamic design and new brake-pad-release system.

The single-bolt calipers are compatible with tyres up to 28mm and they move on bearings, not bushings.

The direct-mount calipers have an integrated brace for increased rigidity that prevents the stays or fork legs being pushed apart, and they’ll allow tyres up to 32mm wide.

For hydraulic disc brakes, the disc calipers Campagnolo launched a year ago remain unchanged. The front only works for 160mm rotors, but the rear work for either 160 or 140mm.

Campagnolo says the flat-mount design fits any modern frame without need for an adaptor, just specific bolts, which are available in lengths from 10mm to 39mm.

Each caliper's 22mm piston is made of phenolic resin with a magnetic spring that Campagnolo says doesn't fatigue over time and returns faster than steel springs.

The organic-resin pads have a steel back, a chamfered lower edge for simple wheel insertion and pad-wear indicators that are both visual and audible.

The disc rotors have rounded edges. Campagnolo tested the rotors to over 350°C.

Anyone wanting to go 12-speed will need an entirely new groupset, save for the relevant rim or disc brakes, which are the only components that are interchangeable with current setups.

The new front and rear derailleurs are designed to match the new levers’ updated indexing and throw.

Campagnolo says rim-brake Super Record groups will be available in May, followed in June/July by Super Record disc groups.

Record rim-brake groupsets should land in June and the disc version the following month.

Bike brands spec’ing the new components include Cervélo, Cannondale, Orbea, BH, Canyon, Colnago, Bianchi, Basso, Cipollini and De Rosa.

Logically, EPS electronic groupsets will follow, but there is no official confirmation from Campagnolo at this time.

Super Record (SR) 12s mechanical — disc and rim brake

Component

Options

Weight

Weight reference

Price

SR 12s rear derailleur

181g

Standard hanger

£400/ €449/$485

SR 12s Ergopower hydraulic controls

Price per lever including caliper

462g

Pair

£479 / €537/$580

SR 12s Ergopower controls

339g

Pair

£445/€498 /$540

SR 12s front derailleur

79g

Braze on

£169/€189 /$210

SR UT Ti Carbon 12s crankset

165-175mm

50/34. 52/36, 53/39

618g

172.5mm, 34/50 assembled with two bearings

£859/€963 /$1,035

SR Ultra-Torque threaded cups

ITA/BSA

43g

BSA

£23/ €26 /$35

Ultra-Torque press-fit cups

BB30, BB86, PF30, BB386, BB Right

40g

BB86

£23/ €26/$35

SR 12s cassette

11-29, 11-32

266g

11-29

£303-317/ €339-355/

$395-410

SR 12s chain

220g

110 links

£53/€59/$70

Hydraulic disc caliper

160mm / 140mm

115g

140mm x1 including pads

Included with controls

Disc rotor

160mm / 140mm

99g

140mm x1

£47/ €53/ $65

SR dual pivot brakes

298g

Pair

£349/€391/$425

Direct mount brake

Front/Rear

160g

Each

£170/€191/$210

SR 12s Disc complete (lowest)

2,323g

2 calipers, 2 rotors

£2,861/ €3,202/ $3,450

SR 12s Rim complete (lowest)

2,041g

Direct mount brakes

£2,594/ €2,905/ $3,190

Record 12s mechanical — disc and rim brake

Component

Options

Weight

Weight reference

Price

Record 12s rear derailleur

216g

£214/€239/$265

Record 12s Ergopower hydraulic controls

Price per lever and caliper

463g

Pair

£438/€491/$535

Record 12s Ergopower controls

363g

Pair

£348/€390/$425

Record 12s front derailleur

81g

Braze on

£100/€112/$125

Record 12s carbon crankset

165–175mm

710g

172.5mm, 34/50

£479/€537/$580

Record Ultra-Torque threaded cups

ITA/BSA

45g

BSA

£23/ €26/$35

Ultra-Torque press-fit cups

BB30, BB86, PF30, BB386, BB Right

40g

BB86

£23/ €26/$35

SR 12s cassette

11-29, 11-32

266g

11-29

£303-317/ €339-355/

$395-410

SR 12s chain

220g

110 links

£53/€59/$70

Hydraulic disc caliper

160mm / 140mm

115g

140mm x1 including pads

Included with controls

Disc rotor

160mm / 140mm

99g

140mm x1

£47/ €52/ $65

Record dual pivot brakes

317g

Pair

£229/€256/$280

Direct mount brake

Front/rear

160g

Each

£170/€191/$210

Record 12s Disc complete

2,453g

2 calipers, 2 rotors

£2,144/ €2,401/ $2,670

Record 12s Rim complete

2,213g

Dual pivot brakes

£1,750/ €1,960/ $2,175

Order the Official Tour De France Race Guide 2023

Only £10.99 including FREE UK delivery

Subscribe to MBUK and get a pair of Crankbrothers Stamp 1 pedals as your welcome reward! Plus, save 25% off the subscription price!